Nationals will need a starter Wednesday

Because of today's doubleheader and the dearth of an off day, the Nationals will need a starter next Wednesday at home against the New York Mets. The Nationals might bring back one of today's starters, Livan Hernandez or Luis Atilano, on three days rest. Whichever pitcher throws fewer pitches would be the best candidate, Manager Jim Riggleman said.

The Nationals could also use a reliever, likely Miguel Batista, or call up a pitcher from the minor leagues to make a spot start. Matt Chico, who made a spot start last Saturday in a Nationals victory, pitched last night for Class AAA Syracuse. If the Nationals wanted to use their minor leagues to fill Wednesday's start, Chico would be on schedule.